2 YEARS IN 68 PAGES
Inevitably projects run their course and you start thinking of other work. That is certainly the case for me. That doesn’t mean though I have totally put down this project.
My Rink Ballroom book is now finished and, having had a proof printed, I am now waiting for a few more to arrive in the post. This is self publishing we’re talking here, so a 68 pager on good art stock isn’t cheap… I am between that thing of wanting people to read it but not being able to distribute the printed version as widely as I would wish.
That being said, the pdf version is freely available for anyone who cares to ask for it (see link at the bottom of this page) so hopefully there will be some take-up. In the context of this blog, what is interesting I think is that the content of my book is taken from an edited version of this very blog. It was always my intention. In a sense I was documenting my own history as this project took shape, so it seemed appropriate to use that as the basis for a piece that is ostensibly about recall and it’s re-formation. It has been fascinating to look back over my own posts and to read them almost like a third party, given the distance of time. It is, I think, testimony to the usefulness of keeping a project blog.
Now the book is completed I can no longer procrastinate and must address the less enjoyable job of trying to get myself out there in the public domain to talk about this. I don’t mean I don’t want to talk about it because in fact I REALLY do…I just mean the actual task of approaching venues that might be interested in me delivering a talk about the project, and then showing the film, is not one of my favourites. Inevitably there will be the usual,‘ thanks – it looks like a really interesting project BUT…’ etc. etc…and of course the ones that don’t even reply in these ‘too busy and/or under resourced to acknowledge you’ times (oops must be careful not to sound bitter). I’m just hoping that despite this there will be occasional bursts of enthusiasm pitched back at me that will sustain my own enthusiasm for the thankless task of self/ project promotion.
That reminds me of something. Years ago when my work was often live performance and video related, I made a piece which began, as the audience assembled, with a recorded voice reciting the rejection letters I had received through the post (this was pre email of course). It was quite funny in a nihilistic sort of way. To think, people used to actually take the time to write and post you a letter of rejection. How quaint that now seems. And believe me I am not actually personally bitter…I have a good success rate compared for instance to many poor souls trying to get a job and find a way forward. I feel genuinely sad for society and hope this style of interaction is just a passing historical blip. More and faster communication has definitely led to disinterest (or is it distraction?) which inevitably leads to an erosion of care/ humanity in day to day dialogue.
Enough of that. I shall head forth with positivity…
Here is the link to my book if you are interested to take a look >>
